In a new interview with Darren Paltrowitz, Ted Nugent was asked if ever had any interactions with legendary David Lee Roth.
He responded (via BLABBERMOUTH.NET):
“I did — a few times. And I admire and praise his entertainment gifts; he’s a monster. Tell me that all that David Lee Roth music with VAN HALEN isn’t a smile eruption in our life. I mean, what a fun, cocky, soulful guy. He really does evoke, emulate and deliver touches of James Brown and Wilson Pickett and some Motown melodious grunt, and certainly the blues and the gospel and the rhythm and blues masters — you can hear that in David Lee Roth. I don’t think he’s ever been given credit for those talents and those musical capabilities that I just mentioned. So I’m glad I just mentioned them because they should be attributed to him, ’cause he did deliver them with aplomb.”
Ted continued:
“I’ve always been militantly against substance abuse, and it’s an absolute crime — literally and figuratively — and David‘s a perfect example. Again, I love him — I hope he’s happy, I hope he’s healthy. He seems to know what happiness and health is; God bless him. Thank you, David, for enriching our lives with your incredible music. God bless you. But tragically — and this goes to Eddie [Van Halen] too, and my encounters with Jimi Hendrix and so many people — you couldn’t have a meaningful dialogue. It was all stoned disconnect, whereas when I sat down with B.B. King and when I sit down with Joe Perry and Steven Tyler, even though there were moments when it was hopeless — there were moments… And Sammy Hagar‘s a perfect example. We have a meaningful, man-to-man, human-to-human, fun, deep bullsh*t session because he’s in tune with himself — and he’s really good at getting out of tune with himself. But my point is, I think it’s important to note that the incredible amount of hours that I’ve been honored and humbled to spend with some of the most powerful music authorities in the world, there was nothing to be shared because they were drunk or stoned. All those moments reinforce my anger and hate for people who leave the world to drop out comfortably numb. They don’t make anybody happy [when they do that]. They don’t owe me happiness, but wouldn’t it have been great for a smarta*s like David Lee Roth and a smarta*s like Ted Nugent to discuss the art of smarta*s? I would have loved to have had that conversation, but there was no chance for it — the guy was out of his mind.”
Earlier David Lee Roth has added four more shows to his upcoming Las Vegas residency.
In addition to playing at Mandalay Bay’s House Of Blues on December 31, January 1, 5, 7, and 8, the VAN HALEN singer will now also perform on January 14-15 and January 21-22.
Roth Las Vegas residency dates:
December 31, 2021
January 1, 5, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 2022
“Look, I’m vulnerable. I feel sensitive. If I sound that way to you, I’m in the middle of my first retirement. And I’m gonna extend my world goodbye tour of Las Vegas at the House Of Blues for two more weekends — like any good f*cking barbecue. Just like you would, if you could.”
Earlier Diamond Dave had announced his retirement date.
He will retire after the last concert of his Las Vegas residency in January.
Here’s what he said:
“I’m throwing in the shoes.”
“I’m retiring. This is the first, and only, official announcement. … You’ve got the news. Share it with the world.”
He added:
“I’m not going to explain the statement. The explanation is in a safe. These are my last five shows.”
Also Read: ALEX VAN HALEN To Join DAVID LEE ROTH For The Last 5 Shows Of His Career
Also Read: Wolfgang Van Halen Reacts To DAVID LEE ROTH’s Retirement
On Eddie Van Halen, he said:
“I thought I might have been the first, frankly.”
“I might have thought the Marlboro Man would’ve got me. Hey, Ed, objects in the rear-view mirror are probably me. And my doctors, my handlers, compelled me to really address that every time I go on stage, I endanger that future.
2 comments
People like to rip on Dave but it’s still a fact that he had the world by the balls and rocked your socks off. I loved VH with Dave fronting the band. His legacy lives every time I crank up my JBL speakers and let the torrential fury of VAN HALEN out… Thanks Dave.
Ted needs to be medicated… heavily. It’s pretty obvious that he’s incapable of having a meaningful conversation to begin with. And as far as him understanding orher people??? He doesn’t seem too capable of that either. He’s an ok guitar player but as a human, Ted has a lot to learn.